Ex-All Black Sam Whitelock Swaps Rugby for Dairy Farming
Returning to the family dairy farm after playing 20 years of professional rugby around the world is no easy task.
Whitelock, who has been a Farmstrong ambassador since 2016, says he sees a lot of parallels between rugby and farming.
"I know the challenges farmers regularly face with weather events, production targets, fluctuating prices and changing regulations. I reckon rugby and farming are similar in that way; there are always results you need to achieve, whatever the conditions. Dealing with disappointment when things don't go according to plan is also a challenge for both."
He says that being a professional athlete has taught him the importance of investing up front in wellbeing for times when you need to draw on it.
And it's no different in farming.
"Once I complete my rugby career, I'll be heading back to the land. When I do, I'll continue applying all that I have been sharing and learning through Farmstrong."
Whitelock will be at the FMG site on Friday 26 March sharing stories and taking photos with farmers, growers and the general public.
